Statement by Mr. MAGOSAKI Kaoru, Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Security Council Arria Formula Meeting “Reinforcing the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda for a peaceful and stable Africa”

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank you for convening this important meeting today. I also thank the briefers for laying out challenges and opportunities of the YPS agenda in Africa.
 
Youth is no doubt the driving force for future. But, to be that driving force, youth must feel confident that they can determine the future and be given opportunities. It is our responsibility to pave the way for the ambitious youth.
 
Security Council Resolution 2250 opened up a way for youth to participate in peace processes, making sure their voices are heard. I am therefore pleased to have heard from two youth representatives.  At the same time, we need to continue hearing from the committed youth building their future in various fields, including business, agriculture and tourism.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Implementing the YPS agenda should also ensure young people’s access to quality education and job opportunities to prepare them for their future and prevent violence. The Secretary-General’s report on YPS points out that the countries with higher inequality in education are unfortunately 2.5 times more likely to experience violent conflict. A study conducted by the UNDP, titled “Journey to Extremism in Africa,” also stresses the critical role that education and job opportunities play in protecting youth from being trapped in armed groups.
 
In this context, Japan has provided various support to young people affected by armed conflicts.
 
For example, in Somalia, where the lack of employment opportunities has driven youth to join armed groups, JICA conducted a workshop for local organizations which mentor young entrepreneurs in order to foster more entrepreneurs in the long term.
 
The UN Trust Fund for Human Security also supported a pilot project with the UNDP, FAO, IOM, UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women, targeting youth in the Central African Republic for social cohesion, conflict prevention, violence reduction and human security between 2017 and 2019.
 
As outlined in the TICAD Tunis Declaration of 2022, Japan reaffirms its commitment to supporting Africa’s efforts in conflict prevention and to enhancing peace by addressing their root causes, which includes advocating for the advancement of the YPS agenda.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Eight years have passed since Resolution 2250 was adopted. Yet, there is still more to be done. We resonate with previous speakers that youth must be at the center of all our efforts to build peaceful, sustainable and resilient societies in Africa and other regions. The Security Council and the entire UN system must never leave any youth behind. Japan will continue to play its part to promote the implementation of the YPS agendas with the aim of realizing a future where youth are better protected and fully empowered.
 
Thank you.